Rupununi urged to prepare for the worst

The vast Rupununi Savannah and sections of several roads are now covered with water, as seen in this photogragh which was taken in the vicinity of the Pirara Bridge (Bela Savita Balkaran Photo)

With heavy rainfall forecast for northern Brazil over the weekend, the head of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Retired Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup yesterday warned that flood affected residents of Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) would have to prepare for the worst.

Ramsarup told a post-Cabinet press briefing, held at the Ministry of the Presidency, that with the heavy rainfall expected in northern Brazil, the floodwater could rise.

Following recent continuous rainfall at night, several villages in the region have been flooded, forcing their evacuation. There heavy rainfall in Brazil has also caused overtopping of the Ireng and Takutu rivers.